Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Jerusalem: Cultural Heritage

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government whether theyhave met with representatives of Save the ArQ in Jerusalem; and what support, if any, they are providing to the campaign.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: British officials met Armenian Community leader Hagop Djernazian in January 2024. The UK is monitoring the situation and are clear on the need to avoid any further rise in tensions. The UK's position on the status of Jerusalem is clear and long-standing: it should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately be the shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states. The UK is a strong supporter of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and an advocate for the integrity of cultural important areas to be respected. The UK continues to take a strong stance against settler violence and urges Israel to take stronger action to stop settler violence and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Sudan: Internally Displaced People

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of Sudanese peoplewho have fled to (1) Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan, and (2) Abyei, since violence erupted in Khartoum and Darfur in April 2023.

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to support displaced people and host communities in (1) Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan in Sudan, and (2) Abyei.

Lord Benyon: The UN estimates almost 9 million people are currently internally displaced in Sudan, making it the largest displacement crisis in the world. As of 23 January, 127,119 people have fled to Blue Nile and 125,373 to South Kordofan since 15 April 2023. Furthermore, as of 31 January, 15,750 people have fled from Sudan into Abyei since the start of the Sudan conflict. The UK is providing assistance those in need through our humanitarian aid package of £38 million for 2023-2024. In the next financial year 2024-2025, the UK bilateral ODA to Sudan will double to £89 million.

Forests: Environment Protection

The Lord Bishop of Norwich: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Communion Forest, an initiative comprising local activities of tree growing and ecosystem conservation, protection and restoration undertaken by parishes, dioceses and provinces across the Anglican Communion.

Lord Benyon: The UK Government has not made a formal assessment of the Communion Forest Initiative but would be happy to meet with representatives to hear more about their work. It is heartening to learn about this initiative from the Anglican Communion, as it echoes the importance this government places on efforts to restore and protect forests. Please thank your teams for their efforts, noting that it is important that we all are working to combat climate change and reverse forest loss.

Gaza: Genocide Convention

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their statement on 27 January that they have "considerable concerns" about the International Court of Justice ruling on 26 January regarding the case of genocide against Israel, what assessment they have made of that ruling; and what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning compliance with it.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We respect the role and independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However, we have stated that we have considerable concerns about this case, which is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with International Humanitarian Law, as we have said from the outset. Our view is that Israel's actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, which is why we thought South Africa's decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative. We have long advocated for the release of hostages and the need to get more aid. We are clear that an immediate pause is necessary to get aid in and hostages out, and then we want to build towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to the fighting.

Palestinian Authority: Taxation

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what representationsthey have made to the government of Israel concerning tax receipt funds to the Palestinian Authority; and what assessment they have made of the future viability of the Palestinian Authority if such funds are not released.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As we have stated, we support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority (PA) has an important long-term role to play. We must work with our allies to provide serious, practical and enduring support needed to bolster the Palestinian Authority; we already provide technical and practical support and are ready to do more. The Palestinian Authority must take much needed steps on reform, including setting out a pathway to democratic progress, and just as the PA must act, so must Israel. The Foreign Secretary has raised this with his Israeli counterpart, most recently in his visit to Israel on 24 January. This means releasing frozen funds, halting settlement expansion and holding to account those responsible for extremist settler violence.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Lord Sedwill: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherthey have made any representations to the government of Iran regarding ceasing their support for militias attacking western forces in the Middle East.

Lord Sedwill: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made any representations to the government of Iran regarding Houthi attacks on international shipping.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government has long condemned Iran's political, financial, and military support to several militant and proscribed groups, including the Houthis and Iranian-aligned militia groups in Iraq and Syria. The current and former Foreign Secretaries have directly raised Iran's support for these groups with the Iranian Foreign Minister three times since 7 October 2023. They made clear in all their conversations that Iran must use its influence with groups in the region to prevent escalation and that the regime bore responsibility for the actions of groups they had supported over many years.

Alaa Abdel Fattah

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Egypt regarding the release of the British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, and whether they have an expectation of the date on which he is likely to be released.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Ministers and officials continue to raise Mr Alaa Abd El-Fattah's case at the highest levels with the Egyptian government and have been consistently clear in our calls for his release, while continuing to press the need for urgent consular access. The Foreign Secretary and I raised his case with President Sisi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry on 21 December 2023. The Prime Minister also recently raised Mr El-Fattah's case with President Sisi on 1 December 2023.

Afghanistan: Refugees

Lord Sedwill: To ask His Majesty's Government how many Afghans who were employees of NATO and the UN during 2001–21 have been admitted to the UK under the various Afghan resettlement programmes.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has two Afghan resettlement schemes. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan in exposed or meaningful roles and is managed by the Ministry of Defence. The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) prioritises those who assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values, such as the rule of law, and vulnerable people. The Home Office are the responsible department for ACRS.FCDO does not hold comprehensive data on who has been resettled under either scheme. We hold data on the first stage of Pathway 3 of ACRS where FCDO acted as the referral partner for Home Office for 3 cohorts - British Council contractors, Gardaworld contractors (Embassy guards) and Chevening alumni. We also hold data on some ARAP eligible persons that FCDO has sponsored because they worked for, alongside or under contract to DFID/FCO in roles contributing to UK national security objectives. We do not hold data on the number of former NATO and UN staff who have been resettled in the UK.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Helic: To ask His Majesty's Government whatconsideration they have given to supporting the temporary medical evacuation of severely injured children from Israel and Palestine to the UK in order to receive short-term, life-saving, specialist medical treatment.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are currently supporting NGO and UN partners to deliver medical aid and care in the Gaza Strip. This includes support for primary healthcare, trauma and emergency care services, disease surveillance and outbreak response, and deployment of Emergency Medical Teams. We are also exploring further options to help meet the medical needs of Palestinians.

Pakistan: Women

Lord Singh of Wimbledon: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the sanctioning of Mian Abdul Haq as a human rights violator on 9 December 2022, what assessment they have made of whether that sanctioning has been successful in preventing the forced conversion and abduction of women and girls from minority communities, and what further representations they have made to the government of Pakistan in this regard.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls in Pakistan. Designating Mian Abdul Haq sent a clear message to those responsible that the UK considers this behaviour unacceptable. We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), women and girls' rights and gender equality at a senior level with the Government of Pakistan. Through our Aawaz programme, we continue to tackle issues of gender-based violence and work directly with communities to raise their awareness of the harms of early and forced marriages.

Gaza: Genocide Convention

Baroness Helic: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the International Court of Justice handing down its ruling in South Africa's case against Israel, what measures they will put in place to meet their international obligations under the Genocide Convention.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As a party to the Genocide Convention, the UK is fully committed to the prevention and punishment of genocide as appropriate under the Convention. We of course respect the role and independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However we have stated that we have considerable concerns about this case, which is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as we have said from the outset. Our view is that Israel's actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, which is why we thought South Africa's decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative. We have long advocated for the release of hostages and the need to get more aid in. We are clear that an immediate pause is necessary to get aid in and hostages out, and then we want to build towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to the fighting.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Housing: Construction

Baroness Thornhill: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofthe report of the Home Builders Federation State of Play: Challenges and opportunities facing SME home builders, published on 22 January,regarding the number of small and medium-sized enterprise builders going out of business; what assessment they have made of the impact of this on the supply of new homes; and whether they have plans to support this subsector.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Government wants to see a diverse and competitive housebuilding sector. We are aware of the challenges that small and medium sized (SME) housebuilders are facing, which is why we are supporting them through the £1.5 billion Levelling Up Home Building Fund (LUHBF) and the £1 billion ENABLE Build guarantee programme. LUHBF provides loans to SMEs to help build around 42,000 homes across the country. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act will also help SMEs by making the planning process easier to navigate, faster and more predictable.

Social Rented Housing: Foreign Nationals

Baroness Thornhill: To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of social homesoutside London have a non-British citizen as the leadtenant.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Using English Housing Survey data, we estimate that in 2021-22, 6.8% of social households outside London had a household reference person who was not a UK or Irish national. For London, this figure is 14.7%.

Home Office

Shellfish: Animal Welfare

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government, regarding the Decapods: call for evidencewhich closed on 13 October 2023, what consideration they have made of the evidence received, when results will be published, and when a policy decision based on this evidence will be made.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: The Government is carefully considering the results from the call for evidence regarding the current use of decapods in science to inform future policy options. The Home Office intend to commission the independent advisory body, the Animals in Science Committee (ASC), for advice on this issue. The scope of the commission to the ASC will be made public. We will then publish in due course.

Animal Experiments: Departmental Responsibilities

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the letter dated 29 August 2023 from Lord Sharpe of Epsom to the Chair of the Animals in Science Committee, what progress they have made in considering the relocation of the portfolio under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: There are no plans to relocate the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 portfolio from the Home Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).The Home Office is working with DSIT to advance the Government’s ambitions for the life sciences and the protection of animals used in science.

Visas: Overseas Students

Lord Tyrie: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) economic, and (2) fiscal impact, of the dependents of those on student visas.

Lord Tyrie: To ask His Majesty's Government what modelling they have undertaken of future immigration flows attributable to students, including those on student visas, dependents of those on student visas, and net migration resulting from such immigration; and what are the projected (1) immigration, (2) emigration, and (3) net migration figures for the next five years.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: Last year as part of the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules published by the department on 17 July, an Impact Assessment was prepared setting out the impact from these Immigration Rules changes. This included analysis on student visas and net migration. The Impact Assessment is subject to final departmental clearances and will be published in due course.

Department of Health and Social Care

Hospices: Children

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherthey will extend the Children’s Hospice Grant for children’s palliative care in England beyond 2024–25.

Lord Markham: The Department and NHS England recognise the important role children and young people’s hospices play in the delivery of high-quality, personalised palliative and end of life care for children, young people, their families and those important to them.At a national level, NHS England supports palliative and end of life care for children and young people through the Children and Young People’s hospice grant. It has confirmed that it will be renewing the grant for 2024/25, once again allocating £25 million of funding for children’s hospices, using the same prevalence-based allocation approach as in 2022/23 and 2023/24. Details of 2025/26 funding will be confirmed in due course.

Fluoride: Drinking Water

Lord Robathan: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Markham on 3 January (HL1166),whether they are encouraging the fluoridation of drinking water supplies, given that the report cited in the Answer Water Fluoridation: Health Monitoring Report for England 2022noted that there was contradictory evidence relating to adverse neurodevelopmental effects in children.

Lord Markham: The Health and Care Act 2022 transferred responsibility for water fluoridation from local authorities to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. This was to make it simpler to expand water fluoridation schemes. Subject to a public consultation, which will be published shortly, the Government has announced its intention to expand the current water fluoridation scheme across the North East of England.The overall weight of evidence and authoritative reviews of relevant and suitable studies indicate that there is no convincing evidence that fluoride at the levels permitted in fluoridated drinking water present a risk of adverse neurodevelopmental effects in children.

HIV Infection

Baroness Barker: To ask His Majesty's Government how many HIV testing kits were supplied between 1 and 7 February 2021, and of those, how many positive HIV tests were recorded.

Baroness Barker: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the demographic profile of requesting an HIV testing kit during National HIV Testing Week in each of the years 2020 to 2023 inclusive.

Baroness Barker: To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of those requesting an HIV testing kit during National HIV Testing Week tested positive in each of the years 2020 to 2023 inclusive.

Lord Markham: During the period between 1 and 7 February 2021, 19,342 HIV testing kits were dispatched, and 84 were reactive. The following table shows, using the data currently available, the number of HIV testing kits that were ordered and dispatched for National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) campaigns between 2019/20 and 2022/23:England TotalOrdered kitsDispatched kitsHIV reactiveHIV reactivity2019/2019,86319,496810.8%2020/2130,61230,8761350.7%2021/2224,40923,520750.6%2022/2322,40821,626790.4% Notes:The campaign period is approximately one month long with NHTW being the period when key activity occurs. The table also shows the number of HIV reactive tests for the same period.A reactive result means that the test has reacted with something in the blood that could be, but is not necessarily, the HIV virus or antibodies to the HIV virus. A reactive result is not the same as a positive result. Further confirmatory tests will need to be taken at a clinic.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019/20, NHTW was moved from November to February.The number of kits dispatched may be higher than kits ordered due to a mixture of repeat kits being dispatched (this could be where a kit is damaged or lost in the post or a person needs additional tests) and a proportion of duplicate orders. NHTW focuses on communities disproportionately affected by HIV though tests are available to be ordered by anyone in England. We have some data available on the demographic profile of people requesting an HIV testing kit during NHTW, with 44% of HIV testing kit requests in 2023 coming from gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.Black African people’s uptake of testing kits has tripled since 2021, accounting for 10% of orders made. During NHTW in 2023, self-testing kits were made available for the first time and were particularly popular amongst black African groups. The percentage of heterosexual men who requested a testing kit has doubled since 2021, from 11% to 22% in 2023 and the percentage of heterosexual women has also steadily increased year on year.We continue working closely together with our key partners in the HIV Prevention Programme monitoring and evaluating the results of the campaign to ensure we continue progressing towards our 2030 ambitions.

Housing: Veterans

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to reinstate the £300 million Housing Transformation Fund to support the development of specialist housing for those such as veterans who want to live independently but require some assistance.

Lord Markham: In April 2023 Ministers made the difficult decision not to proceed with the previously announced £300 million investment in housing. Ministers have instead prioritised delivery of the reforms we believe are most needed and will have the biggest impact over this year and the next. This includes up to £8.6 billion we are making available over this year and next to support adult social care and hospital discharge.

Department for Business and Trade

Horizon IT System

Lord Sikka: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have,at any point since 1999, asked the National Audit Office to review the operation of the Horizon IT system used by the Post Office.

Lord Offord of Garvel: We are not aware of any evidence that the National Audit Office (NAO) has been asked to review the operation of the Horizon system; the Horizon contract was always managed directly by Post Office, which does not come under NAO’s remit. However the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry will look at the actions successive Governments have taken regarding oversight of the Horizon IT system.

Post Office: Directors

Lord Sikka: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to replace anydirectors of the Post Office in post during the period when sub-postmasters were being prosecuted as the result of deficiencies in the Horizon software, so that none of those directors is involved in the administration of any compensation scheme.

Lord Offord of Garvel: Post Office has not undertaken any private prosecutions related to Horizon since 2015. All Non-Executive Directors of Post Office joined from 2021 onwards and no current Board member was in place before 2015. The Government has set up a statutory inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal. Collective and individual accountability for the scandal can only be considered when the Inquiry has reviewed all of the evidence. The Horizon Compensation Advisory Board is an independent advisory board of parliamentarians and academics which oversees compensation related to the Post Office Horizon scandal, ensuring that the compensation schemes achieve fair outcomes for postmasters.

Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Benefits: Overpayments

Lord Browne of Ladyton: To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of decisions relating to benefits overpayments or benefit recovery made by the Department of Work and Pensions are the result of algorithmic decision-making or another automated process.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: As set out in the Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23 for the year ended 31 March 2023 (publishing.service.gov.uk) (P103), DWP does not use automation to replace human judgement when investigating fraud and error to either determine or deny a payment to a claimant. A final decision in these circumstances always involves a human agent.The Department uses algorithms and automated decision making in some services and processes, which allow us to improve accuracy, speed up delivery and free up colleagues’ time so they can support the people who need it most.DWP’s Personal Information Charter explains how and why we use personal information and citizen’s rights and responsibilities

Incontinence: Men

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the needs of men who are incontinent, but not classified as disabled as defined under the Equality Act 2010, are recognised and provided for with appropriate facilities to dispose of sanitary pads under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and the Approved Code of Practice; and when they plan to next review the Approved Code of Practice.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are reviewing the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 regarding provision of disposal facilities in workplace toilets only, to ensure they meet the needs of both men and women. There will be a public consultation on any changes in summer 2024 and the updated ACOP and guidance will be published in spring 2025. HSE is the workplace regulator, therefore the legislation and guidance will only apply to toilets for use by workers in workplaces, made available to them as a place of work.

Household Support Fund

Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on low-income households of not renewing the Household Support Fund.

Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will meet the charities, including the Trussell Trust, Barnardo’s, and the Children’s Society, who are worried about how the closure of the Household Support Fund will affect the families that they support.

Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of the Household Support Fund on local crisis support.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The current Household Support Fund runs from April 2023 until the end of March 2024, and the Government continues to keep all its existing programmes under review in the usual way. The Government is putting significant additional support in place for those on the lowest incomes from April. Subject to Parliamentary approval, working age benefits will rise by 6.7% while the Basic and New State Pensions will be uprated by 8.5% in line with earnings, as part of the ‘triple lock'. To further support low-income households with increasing rent costs, the government will raise Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile of local market rents, benefitting 1.6m low-income households by on average £800 a year in 24/25. Additionally, the Government will increase the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 years and over by 9.8% to £11.44 representing an increase of over £1,800 to the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the National Living Wage.

Department for Education

Children: Swimming

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of school childrenleave school being able to swim at least 25 metres; and what proportion of those children are (1) Black, and (2) Asian.

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government how many schools do not have access to a swimming pool.

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government how many schools are using pop-up swimming pools.

Baroness Barran: Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People Survey 2022/23 reports that 70.5% of pupils in year 7 say they can swim 25 metres unaided. Information is not published for demographic data for individual school years, but data for years 7-11 show that 52% of black children and 57.3% of Asian children report being able to swim 25 metres unaided. This is compared with 82.8% of white British children in years 7-11.The department does not collect data on schools’ access to and use of swimming pools. The government recognises challenges to pool operators and is providing over £60 million to local authorities in England through the Swimming Pool Support Fund. The fund will keep swimming pools and leisure centres open, as well as investing in renovations to boost energy efficiency, reduce future operating costs and improve sustainability. The department is supporting schools to operate their swimming pools effectively through the Opening School Sport Facilities programme, worth up to £57 million over three years. Over 200 school pools have already benefited from this funding.

Relationships and Sex Education

Lord Farmer: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have torequire schools’ relationships and sex education syllabuses to include (1) information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), (2) the full range of ways to avoid contracting STIs, (3) the health and other benefits of later onset of sexual activity, and (4) the health and other benefits of sexual activity within committed relationships.

Baroness Barran: The Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance introduced in September 2020 states that secondary pupils should be taught factual knowledge around sex, sexual health, and sexuality, set firmly within the context of relationships. Pupils should learn about contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), developing intimate relationships and resisting pressure to have sex. Further information on this guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education.The ‘intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health’ topic specifies that by the end of secondary school pupils should know how the different STIs are transmitted, how risk can be reduced through safer sex and the importance of and facts about testing. Pupils are also taught about STIs at key stage 4 of the science curriculum.To support teachers to deliver these topics safely and with confidence the department has produced RSHE teacher training modules. The topic of ‘intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health’ includes content on STIs and sexual health advice. Further information on these modules can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/teaching-about-relationships-sex-and-health.From primary education onwards, age-appropriate Relationships Education supports pupils to treat each other with kindness, consideration and respect, including understanding the importance of respectful relationships and the different types of loving and healthy relationships that exist.The department will be launching a public consultation shortly on revised RSHE guidance, so that interested parties can contribute their comments and ideas, including on sexual health, relationships and STIs. The department will carefully consider responses received and intend to publish final guidance later in 2024.

Special Educational Needs

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government how many children in England under the age of 18 are diagnosed with (1) autism spectrum condition, (2) ADHD, (3) dyslexia, and (4) dyspraxia; how many children currently receive special educational needs support at school; how many children and young people aged up to 25 have an education, health and care plan; what were the equivalent figures for all the above in 2014; and what action they are taking to adapt schools to better meet the educational needs of neurodiverse children.

Baroness Barran: The department publishes annual figures on Special Educational Needs (SEN) for pupils in state-funded schools in England. The most recent figures are for January 2023 and information on the primary type of need for pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or SEN support is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england.2014 data is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-2014. Please note that prior to 2015, SEN categories were classified as the School Action and School Action Plus which were combined from 2015 to form one category of SEN support.In January 2023, 115,984 pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as their primary type of SEN had an EHC plan and 90,779 had SEN support.In January 2014, 49,975 pupils with ASD had an EHC plan, or statement of SEN, and 26,040 received SEN support (School Action Plus).The department does not collect data specifically on pupils with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia.The department also publishes annual figures on children and young people in England with an EHC plan. The most recent figures are for January 2023, which are available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans.In January 2023, 517,049 children and young people aged up to 25 had an EHC plan. In January 2014 237,111 children and young people had a statement of SEN, which were replaced by EHC plans from September 2014.On 22 November 2023, the department announced the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programme. This new programme, backed by £13 million of investment, will bring together Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, and schools, working in partnership with parents and carer to support schools to better meet the needs of neurodiverse children. The programme will deploy specialists from both health and education workforces to upskill schools and build their capacity to identify and meet the needs of children with autism and other neurodiverse needs. One of the key programme metrics will be attendance, as the department recognises that addressing unmet needs and making school more inclusive supports good attendance. The programme will be evaluated, and the learning will inform future policy development around how schools support neurodiverse children.

Joshua Sutcliffe

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of their Draft non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England on Gender Questioning Children, published in December 2023, whether they will ask the Teaching Regulation Authority to reconsider their findings and sanction in the report of 2023 concerning Mr Joshua Sutcliffe.

Baroness Barran: It is important that processes relating to teacher misconduct are progressed without any political involvement. Decisions on whether to progress cases are taken independently by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).An independent professional conduct panel is appointed to hear cases and determine whether the evidence proves unacceptable professional conduct, conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute, or a conviction of a relevant offence. If so, the professional conduct panel will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Education about whether to prohibit the individual from teaching.In the case of Mr Joshua Sutcliffe, after hearing all live evidence and mitigations, the independent appointed panel made a recommendation to the Secretary of State decision maker to prohibit him from the teaching profession, with a two-year review period.Following recommendation, the decision to impose a prohibition order is taken by a senior TRA official.Although that decision is taken on behalf of the Secretary of State, neither she nor any other Minister in the department can have any involvement in these independent investigations, related processes, and decisions.Mr Sutcliffe has appealed this decision to the High Court, as is his right. It is now for the High Court to carefully consider Mr Sutcliffe’s grounds of appeal. It would not be appropriate to comment on or discuss ongoing litigation further.

Schools: Concrete

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that schools that are affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete are not subject to an Ofsted inspection.

Baroness Barran: The department is continuing to support schools and colleges with confirmed RAAC to put in place mitigations and minimise any disruption to education. A school that has confirmed RAAC in some of their buildings will still be eligible for Ofsted inspection. However, in the spring term, for schools with confirmed RAAC, this will be sufficient grounds to defer the inspection, should the school wish to. For schools that do not have confirmed RAAC, but that may still be impacted by RAAC, Ofsted will carefully consider any requests for a deferral of an inspection. Ofsted retains the right to inspect any setting, including one affected by RAAC, if it has concerns. This matter will be kept under review.

Schools: Inspections

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of bringing school improvement within the terms of reference of regular Ofsted inspections.

Baroness Barran: Ofsted plays an important role within the government’s strategies for accountability and school improvement. Ofsted is not an improvement agency, but its work encourages improvement through effective inspection. There are several aspects to this, including: the publication of Ofsted’s inspection frameworks and handbooks, which help to set standards and expectations; the engagement and feedback that takes place during inspections; the reporting of strengths and areas that need improvement; and the publication and dissemination of insights gained though inspection, for example through thematic surveys and reports. Ofsted inspections provide a diagnosis and in some cases may trigger support and intervention mechanisms, but the primary responsibility for improvement rests with schools and trusts, with support and intervention from others where necessary, including through the department’s Regional Directors. This separation of responsibilities is important in maintaining the independence of inspection. The government’s primary strategy for school and trust improvement is to commission growth in the highest quality trusts, as they have the best levers to secure sustainable improvement and are directly accountable for the performance of their schools. More information about high quality trusts can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-high-quality-trusts.

Schools: Concrete

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government whatconsideration they are giving to pupils whose schools are affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and whose summer examinations may be impacted.

Baroness Barran: ​​The safety of staff and pupils is paramount, and the department has been working at pace with schools to identify RAAC and support them to minimise disruption to pupils’ education.The department is working closely with affected schools to ensure the best possible education for pupils and taking every step possible to remove any obstacles to learning through mitigations including temporary accommodation where this is needed and in some instances use of specialist facilities in off-site accommodation.​Departmental officials have also been working hard to ensure that any school or college that is struggling to deliver particular assessments due to RAAC receives the support they need for their specific circumstances. The department has asked awarding organisations to be as flexible as possible within the confines of their processes and regulations, for example by agreeing longer extensions to coursework and non-examined assessment deadlines with affected schools and colleges.

Treasury

Retail Trade: VAT

Lord Lucas: To ask His Majesty's Government whenmarketplaces and online retailers collect VAT under legislation introduced in 2021, how does HMRC ensure the VAT collected is actually handed over to HMRC; and what audit process and checks and balances are in place for allowing this proxy arrangement.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Online marketplaces and online retailers that are required to collect VAT under the legislation introduced in 2021 are required to do so by registering for VAT in the UK and paying any VAT due via a UK VAT return. To ensure that VAT is correctly collected and paid to HMRC these businesses are subject to risk-based compliance activity in the same way as other VAT registered businesses.

Pension Funds

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the practice of the pension funds of regulators investing in companies for which the regulator has oversight responsibility, for example in the recent case of the Environment Agency’s pension fund investing in companies which produce PFAS.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Most regulators participate in the unfunded public service pension schemes, which do not invest monies in order to generate returns. Those that do have funded schemes are subject to DWP occupational pension scheme legislation, with investments separated from the organisation and trustees responsible for scheme investments, or, in the case of the Environment Agency, participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Trustees and LGPS administering authorities have specific legal and fiduciary duties.LGPS administering authorities, including the Environment Agency Pension Fund, are required to act in the interest of the fund and not the employer in setting and implementing their investment strategy. DLUHC guidance sets out that it is good practice for administering authorities to have robust policies to manage any potential conflicts of interest. The EAPF conflicts of interest policy is available online.[1] [1] https://www.eapf.org.uk/~/media/document-libraries/eapf2/policies/2023/conflicts-of-interest-policy-agreed-at-june--23-pc--final_v2.pdf?la=en&hash=73A3192F28D6418F742FA515277EE97CA00E8542

Women and Equalities

UN Commission on the Status of Women

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will be sending a youth delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women in March; and if so, how they will be selected.

Baroness Barran: The UK government does not include youth representatives on the delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The Government works closely with civil society representatives before, during and after CSW. We held our pre-CSW consultation event on 25 January which was attended by approximately 40 civil society representatives. The relationship that the Government delegation has with civil society representatives at CSW is often held up as a model of good practice.

UN Commission on the Status of Women

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will be sending a civil society representative to the Commission on the Status of Women in March; and if so, how they will be selected.

Baroness Barran: The UK government does not include civil society representatives on the delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The Government works closely with civil society representatives before, during and after CSW. We held our pre-CSW consultation event on 25 January which was attended by approximately 40 civil society representatives. The relationship that the Government delegation has with civil society representatives at CSW is often held up as a model of good practice.

UN Commission on the Status of Women

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherthe Minister for Women will be attending the Commission on the Status of Women in March.

Baroness Barran: The Government delegation attending the Commission on the Status of Women has not yet been decided.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask His Majesty's Government whether theywill be nominating a candidate to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in the forthcoming elections.

Baroness Barran: The next election for members of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women will take place in June 2024. The Government has not put forward a candidate. Ministers consider a range of factors when deciding whether to nominate an independent candidate for election to an international body such as the CEDAW Committee, including the time and resources to mount a campaign, the potential benefits and the impact on other international elections.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Incinerators: Waste Disposal

The Earl of Shrewsbury: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate as a sustainable aggregate.

Lord Douglas-Miller: The Environment Agency considers incinerator bottom ash aggregate (IBAA) to be a waste. The Environment Agency considered issues such as IBAA being used in place of virgin aggregate, and its use avoiding the need to landfill, along with economic impacts, when deciding whether to have a regulatory position statement (RPS). The Environment Agency has carried out a pollution risk assessment of the use of IBAA, and is satisfied that it does not pose a significant risk to people or the environment when it is used under the conditions of the RPS. The RPS is still active, and can be viewed here. A copy is attached to this answer.Attachment for HL2102 (pdf, 253.2KB)

Conservation Areas and National Parks: Permitted Development Rights

Baroness Hayman of Ullock: To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis has been carried out of the impact of proposals to extend Permitted Development Rights in National Parks and other Protected Landscapes for the conversion of barns and other rural buildings to residential use, including analysis of whether this would conflict with the statutory purposes to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.

Lord Benyon: The Government has consulted on proposals to extend permitted development rights to support housing delivery and the agricultural sector. This includes proposals to extend permitted development rights to allow farmers to convert agricultural buildings like barns to houses in national parks and other protected landscapes. We are currently analysing responses to this consultation, which closed on 25 September 2023. This includes consideration of whether this PDR extension would conflict with the statutory purposes of protected landscapes.National Parks and National Landscapes represent our shared heritage and support our nation’s health and wellbeing. They are also crucial to delivering our commitments to tackle climate change and restore nature. To support them in this role we introduced measures in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 placing a stronger requirement on partners to deliver on the statutory purposes of these areas.

Bread and Flour: Regulation

Lord Rooker: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the consultation response to the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 on 17 January, when they will inform the WTO and EU Commission of the proposed changes, and how long each will have to make a response.

Lord Douglas-Miller: We are working to notify the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of the legislative changes to The Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 and Bread and Flour Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 in February. Notification to the EU Commission in respect of amendments in Northern Ireland will happen concurrently. The notification to WTO under the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement involves a comment period of 60 days. Any comments received will be considered, following which measures can be adopted in Great Britain subject to parliamentary process. After notifying the EU Commission under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, for legislative changes in Northern Ireland, the Commission will provide an opinion on envisaged measures within three months. Measures can be adopted in Northern Ireland six months after notification provided the Commission’s opinion is not negative.

Inland Border Facilities: Ashford

Lord Naseby: To ask His Majesty's Government why the Port of Dover's border control point for imports will be located 22 miles away at Sevington, and what assessment they have made of the risks to biosecurity.

Lord Douglas-Miller: We remain committed to delivering the best border in the world. The Border Target Operating Model is key to delivering this, protecting the UK’s biosecurity, and ensuring our trading partners have confidence in our standards. The Government’s intention to consolidate SPS checks at Sevington for the Short Straits is based on the need to both safeguard the UK’s biosecurity and minimise the cost to trade.

UK Trade with EU

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the implementation of new border controls being implemented from 31 January, what steps they are taking to mitigate any potential challenges faced by businesses within the EU exporting into the UK.

Lord Douglas-Miller: Defra are engaging stakeholders across all SPS sectors within the United Kingdom, across the EU and with trading partners around the world, to raise awareness and aid preparedness for the Border Target Operating Model (TOM). Information is being shared through a series of live and virtual engagement events and communications detailing actions required. Online guidance is available on GOV.UK. The three-month period from 31 January 2024 will allow businesses time to familiarise themselves with the new requirements before full implementation on 30 April 2024. We will adopt a carefully calibrated approach to enforcement of the new controls that minimises the risk of disrupting trade flows, with an emphasis on educating and supporting businesses to comply.

Immigration Controls: Airports and Ports

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking toprepare ports and airports for the introduction of new border controls being implemented from 31 January.

Lord Douglas-Miller: There are no new physical controls being introduced at ports or airports on 31 January. Under the Border Target Operating Model, from 30 April inspection of high-risk plant and plant products will move from destination to Border Control Posts (BCPs) and/or Control Points (CPs), and risk-based physical checks at BCPs/CPs will begin for medium-risk plant and plant products and products of animal origin, except at west coast ports, where such controls will not begin before 31 October. Defra is confident that existing and new BCP infrastructure will have sufficient capacity and capability to handle the volume of expected checks outlines in the Border Target Operating Model, with robust, dynamic and effective operational measures ready to call upon if needed. Defra will continue to work with BCP operators to ensure they are prepared, and the Government has built or funded new infrastructure where necessary.

Department for Transport

Railways: North of England

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government whether a train service specification had been developed for the TransPennine route upgrade prior to the commencement of the works.

Lord Davies of Gower: Train service specifications were produced whilst the TransPennine Route Upgrade programme was at the development stage, before the commencement of programme delivery. However, these specifications continue to be refined as programme design matures to ensure the most efficient use of programme resources and funding.

Cross Country Line: Rolling Stock

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 14 July 2023 (HL8970) andLord Davies of Gower on 24 January (HL1398), when is the earliest date by which additional rolling stock will be made available on the Cross Country network.

Lord Davies of Gower: CrossCountry is working with industry partners to acquire additional trains as they become available within the rolling stock market. CrossCountry is assessing whether it would be possible to operate a small number of additional trains during 2024 to deliver additional capacity, subject to their availability, the contractual terms with the rolling stock owner and an appropriate business case. All trains in the CrossCountry fleet are also due to be refurbished to improve passengers’ on-board experience.

Great Western Railway: Rolling Stock

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Davies of Gower on 24 January (HL1400), who pays for repairs to damaged rolling stock, in particular between Cardiff and London.

Lord Davies of Gower: Train operators are responsible for meeting the costs involved in maintaining their fleets in accordance with the leasing and operating arrangements they have in place with the rolling stock owners.

Railways: Infrastructure

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government whether, when life-expired railway infrastructure is being replaced, present appraisal methodology provides for the replacement infrastructure to reflect the current speeds and braking characteristics of modern trains.

Lord Davies of Gower: The need to replace railway infrastructure is determined by regular inspections and reviews of the current state of the network. These test that the infrastructure is sufficient to safely and reliably support the type and speed of trains that it is intended to allow the operation of.

Railways: Compensation

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Davies of Gower on 24 January (HL1399), whether they have access to information on the amount of money being refunded under the delay replay scheme as a result of disrupted rail services.

Lord Davies of Gower: The Department publishes annual figures on the amount of compensation paid by train operating companies to passengers. These figures include delay compensation paid out under the Delay Repay and Traditional Charter schemes when passengers’ journeys are disrupted by delays or cancellations; and discretionary compensation that is paid following complaints of poor service, for example when toilets on the train aren’t working.

Railway Stations: Advertising

Lord Lucas: To ask His Majesty's Government whatpolicies and guidance are in place forNetwork Rail concerning whether political statements are permitted in advertising or otherwise displayed in their stations.

Lord Davies of Gower: All advertisements and any displays in Network Rail’s stations must comply with Network Rail's code of acceptance for commercial advertising. The code states that any displays ‘will not be approved for or permitted to remain on display if they are of a political nature calling for the support of a particular viewpoint, policy or action or attacking a member or policies of any legislative, central or local government authority’. Advertisements must also comply with the ASA’s British Code of Advertising Practice.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Television Licences: Non-payment

Lord Botham: To ask His Majesty's Government how many people aged (1) 20–30, (2) 31–40, (3) 41–50, (4) 51–60, (5) 61–75, and (6) 76 and over, were prosecuted in (a) 2021, (b) 2022, and (c) 2023, for non-payment of their TV licences.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The requirement to hold, and pay for, a television licence is set out in the Communications Act 2003 and the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004. Under the Communications Act 2003, the BBC is responsible for the collection and enforcement of the TV licensing system.The Ministry of Justice currently publishes the number of prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing outcomes for the non-payment of TV licence fees annually as part of its quarterly criminal justice statistics, which can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/criminal-justice-statistics-quarterlyThe figures are not broken down in the exact age groups requested. A breakdown of people proceeded against for TV licence evasion in England and Wales broken down by the age groups provided in the Ministry of Justice’s figures is below: 21-292021 - 9,7672022 - 7,4982023 - 5,705 30-392021 - 18,6352022 - 16,2732023 - 13,139 40-492021 - 12,8042022 - 11,7122023 - 9,790 50-592021 - 8,3372022 - 8,0502023 - 6,927 60-692021 - 3,0422022 - 3,0712023 - 2,931 70+2021 - 2692022 - 2792023 - 266

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Telecommunications: Emergency Calls

Lord Beith: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the withdrawal of copper wire land lines because of the roll out of full fibre does not leave some homes and schools without access to communication, emergency messages or 999 calls in the event of a power cut which disables both their home power and the power supply to local mobile phone masts.

Viscount Camrose: The analogue landline system, also known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecoms network and the decision to upgrade it has been taken by the telecoms industry. The industry’s decision to upgrade the PSTN is due to necessity, as the network is increasingly unreliable and prone to failure, with some telecoms companies finding it difficult to source certain spare parts required to maintain or repair connections. Therefore, keeping customers on the ageing PSTN system presents risks in itself. DSIT officials engage with Communications Providers on a regular basis to understand the plans they have in place for the transition. Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, has also issued guidance on how telecoms companies should fulfil their regulatory obligations in the event of a power cut. This guidance states that providers should have at least one solution available that enables access to emergency organisations for a minimum of one hour in the event of a power outage in the premises. These are minimum standards, and in practice many providers are offering solutions which exceed them, such as longer life battery back-up units, 4G enabled handsets or satellite enabled communication units. The DSIT Secretary of State also asked Ofcom to review the general resilience of telecommunications services in the event of prolonged power outages. In response, in December 2023, Ofcom launched a consultation on the resilience of the sector that includes a separate call for input on power backup for mobile radio access networks. The consultation stated that 65% of power outages lasted for less than 1 hour. In December 2023, DSIT agreed a Charter of Commitments with the UK’s leading Communications Providers to secure additional commitments to protect vulnerable consumers through the transition process. As part of the Charter, Communication Providers have agreed to work towards going beyond the standard minimum of one hour resilience.

Business: Horizon Europe

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what are the eligibility criteria for businesses to apply for Horizon research programme funding; and how those grants will assist them.

Viscount Camrose: Our association to Horizon Europe means that UK researchers and businesses, and their international partners can now apply for funding, and are strongly encouraged to do so. Any organisation can apply for Horizon Europe funding providing they meet the criteria for the specific calls of relevance: https://rea.ec.europa.eu/horizon-europe-who-should-apply_en

Ministry of Defence

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales

Lord Patten: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the purpose of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales; and what assessment they have made of the extent to which that purpose has been achieved.

The Earl of Minto: The purpose of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales is to provide the UK a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) capability. A CSG is a secure, versatile, agile and survivable, well-found sovereign operating base that exerts global influence through power projection, which, enabled by sea control and with minimal risk, delivers strike warfare against targets ashore. The UK CSG has made steady progress towards becoming a fully operational force, with Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of Carrier Strike (CS) declared in 2021, and the milestones for Full Operating Capability (FOC) are being reviewed. With the IOC CS declaration, CS deployments continue to take place annually with preparations for an FOC scale deployment.

Ukraine: Military Aid

Lord Campbell-Savours: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total cost to the United Kingdom of all forms of military support to Ukraine since December 2021.

The Earl of Minto: Since December 2021, the UK has committed £7.1 billion in military aid in support of Ukraine. This includes the latest £2.5 billion package of military support announced on 12 January by the Prime Minister for Financial Year 2024-25.